State seeks to enshrine legal entitlements for remote work in its territory
Victoria Proposes Law to Legalize Remote Work for Eligible Employees
In a move aimed at improving work-life balance and reducing congestion on roads, Premier Jacinta Allan of Victoria, Australia, announced plans to enshrine working from home as a legal right for eligible employees. The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced after consultations during 2025, ahead of the November 2026 state election.
The policy applies to both public and private sector employees, with workers whose jobs can be reasonably performed from home being entitled to work remotely for at least two days each week. This measure is expected to save the average worker $110 per week and more than three hours of commuting time weekly on average.
The government cites benefits including improved work-life balance, savings for families, reduced traffic, and increased workforce participation, especially among women, carers, and people with disabilities (4.4% higher since the pandemic). The move aims to set a new standard for workplace flexibility in Victoria, contrasting with global trends where many companies are rolling back remote work policies.
Supporters of the proposal argue that it enhances productivity, supports families, and boosts the economy by saving time and money for workers. However, critics, including business groups like the Australian Industry Group, see it as government overreach that could undermine business autonomy and economic confidence.
The proposal reflects popular demand for flexible working arrangements and seeks to address ongoing high office vacancy rates in Melbourne. If implemented, the policy could help maintain the value of remote work arrangements, potentially keeping more women in the workforce and saving time and money for families.
The policy is not yet in effect, as it is still under consultation with workers, employers, and unions. The measure is likely to be introduced in the state parliament next year.
[1] The policy aims to reduce congestion on roads. [2] Brad Battin has expressed that remote work arrangements have been valuable. [3] The proposed policy by Jacinta Allan could potentially save the average worker $110 per week. [4] Allan argues that workers are more productive when they have the option to work from home. [5] Victoria's opposition leader, Brad Battin, supports measures that promote better work-life balance. [6] Under Allan's plan, workers would be entitled to work from home at least two days a week, if their job allows it. [7] The policy is expected to keep more women in the workforce. [8] The policy, if implemented, would save time for families and money for families. [9] Allan launched the proposed policy at the Labor Party's state conference. [10] The policy does not specify any changes to the current entitlement of working from home at least two days a week, if the job allows it. [11] The policy states that any worker who can reasonably do their job from home has the right to do so for at least two days a week. [12] During the national elections in May, the opposition's plan to eliminate remote work was partly blamed for its poor performance.
[1] In a bid to reduce congestion on roads, Premier Jacinta Allan of Victoria, Australia, aims to enshrine working from home as a legal right.
[3] The proposed policy by Jacinta Allan could potentially save the average worker a weekly average of $110.
[7] Jacinta Allan's plan is expected to help maintain the value of remote work arrangements, potentially keeping more women in the workforce.
